Posted on 03/29/2013 12:09:47 AM PDT by neverdem
A former mayoral candidate in Tucson, Ariz., is drawing heated criticism from Democrats after he launched a program this week to hand out free shotguns in high-crime neighborhoods.
Shaun McClusky, who kicked off the program Monday, financed it with initial donor commitments of $12,000. He told FoxNews.com that with those private donations alone, he can arm and train 36 people -- and hopes to begin that process in 60 days.
McClusky said he's already received more than a dozen responses from residents, "none of them negative, all of them positive."
But with McClusky launching the gun handout program in the same area where former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords was shot in 2011, he's running into stiff resistance from Arizona officials.
State Rep. Victoria Steele, who represents Tucson, called the program "plain lunacy."
"Arizonans in Tucson and across the state are demanding that we reduce gun violence and create safer communities. Handing out shotguns is not a solution," she said in a written statement.
House Minority Leader Chad Campbell called it "ideological extremism at its worst" and "a political gimmick that could have dangerous consequences." The program, though, is actually the brainchild of a master's student at the University of Houston. The student, Kyle Coplen, launched what he calls the Armed Citizen Project, a nonprofit that is handing out "defensive shotguns" for free in certain neighborhoods of Houston and studying the effect on crime rates.
Reached Thursday, Coplen said it's too early to tell whether there is an effect -- but he said he intends to expand the program to 15 cities by the end of the year. Right now, the program is only in Houston and Tucson, with McClusky's help.
"His idea's great," McClusky said Thursday. "So I took his idea and I ran with it here in Tucson."
McClusky said...
(Excerpt) Read more at foxnews.com ...
FReepmail me if you want to be on or off my Arizona ping list.
I never noticed anyone with a Arizona ping list. I'm not from Arizona, but I'm trying to start a list for each state that includes a FReeper with a state ping list for that state if that state doesn't have one already.
If I see a story about Arizona, I want to let you know. This is not expected to be a high volume ping list.
Do any of you have a state ping list for Arizona? Do any of you want to volunteer and take my Arizona list with the intent to grow it? Let me know via FReepmail. Then I can work on other states.
AZ Democrats are worried that some of their key criminal constituents might be harmed by law-abiding citizens.
Joe Biden said shotguns are great! Whats the problem??
Just blast off with both barrels into the air, or fire through your closed front door! Priceless!
Wish someone gave me a free shotgun. But I’m in Texas and we don’t have problems like the other states do. We’re already well armed. But, still, I never turn down a free shotgun.
Free cell phones, too? Stamps and cheese?
(Shaun McClusky)...A former mayoral candidate in Tucson, Ariz., is drawing heated criticism from Democrats after he launched a program this week to hand out free shotguns in high-crime neighborhoods. >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Well , at least Shaun will have Shotgun Joe Biden’s endorsement. ( Just point it at your door and fire.)
Well , at least Shaun will have Shotgun Joe Biden’s endorsement. ( Just point it at your door and fire.)
I’m not sure plugs knew which side of the door the round should go in.
Well , at least Shaun will have Shotgun Joe Biden’s endorsement. ( Just point it at your door and fire.)
I’m not sure plugs knew which side of the door the round should go in.
If leftist extremist can support gun so-called “buy-backs,” why shouldn’t we support gun gifts? It’s a generosity thing. No wonder they don’t get it.
I see your: “I’m not sure plugs knew which side of the door the round should go in.”
Raise with: “I’m not sure plugs knew which end of the the round should go in first.”
;-)
handing out shotguns is a solution if only the bad guys have fire power now
handing out shotguns would have been one hell of an equalizer in the Warsaw Ghetto
Everett Hitch sat on his high stool, cocked his 8 guage and didn’t say anything......
Everett Hitch sat on his high stool, cocked his 8 guage and didn?t say anything......covering Virgil Cole
A Beretta DT-10 double barreled shotgun with 32" barrels please.
I didn’t realize they were taking special orders. A Winchester 21 for me, then. Or a Browning Superposed. Either will do, I’m not picky.
Now that’s a great idea!
Joe couldn’t say no to that one.
Don't need one of those high capacity assault pump guns.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.